This post is based on a report by the Global Citizen.
Girls’ education is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our world. When girls have access to quality education, they are more likely to live healthy lives, earn higher incomes, and participate fully in their communities. They are also less likely to be married as children or experience violence.
But despite the clear benefits, millions of girls around the world are still denied an education. Here are five shocking facts about girls’ education that everyone should know:
130 million girls are out of school worldwide.
This means that one in every five girls of primary school age is not in class. The vast majority of these girls live in developing countries, where poverty, discrimination, and conflict are major barriers to education.
Girls who have no education are three times as likely to marry by age 18.
Child marriage is a major obstacle to girls’ development. When girls are married young, they are often pulled out of school and forced to start a family. This can have devastating consequences for their health, education, and economic opportunities.
Girls living in conflict and crisis areas are 90% more likely to be out of school.
War and violence can have a devastating impact on girls’ education. Schools are often destroyed or closed, and families may be forced to flee their homes. This can make it difficult for girls to continue their education, even if they want to.
Girls’ education is key to ending extreme poverty.
When girls have access to education, they are more likely to stay healthy, earn higher incomes, and delay childbirth. This can help break the cycle of poverty and create a more prosperous future for all.
Investing in girls’ education is good for the economy.
A study by the World Bank found that every additional year of schooling for a girl adds $10,000 to her lifetime earnings. This means that investing in girls’ education can lead to significant economic gains for countries.
These are just a few of the shocking facts about girls’ education. It is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all girls have access to quality education. But the benefits of investing in girls’ education are clear: it is good for girls, good for communities, and good for the economy.
What can you do to help?
There are many ways you can help ensure that all girls have access to quality education. Here are a few ideas:
Donate to organisations that are working to improve girls’ education: There are many great organisations working to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world. By donating your time or money, you can help support their work.
Talk to your elected officials about the importance of girls’ education: Let them know that you support policies that will help girls get an education.
Volunteer your time to a local organisation that is working with girls: There are many ways you can make a difference, even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Spread the word about the importance of girls’ education: Talk to your friends, family, and community members about the issue. The more people who know about the problem, the more likely we are to find a solution.
Every little bit helps. By taking action, you can help make a difference in the lives of girls around the world.